About Us
Established in 1999, Colorado Mountain Club’s Youth Programs ignite a connection to the outdoors for Colorado youth, by providing opportunities for active learning through experiential and adventure education. We inspire the next generation of leaders, recreationalists, and environmental stewards by fostering enthusiastic, self-aware learners who engage in their community and strive toward both collaborative and independent goals.
Staff and Safety: What to Expect
All of our highly qualified Youth Programs Staff are background checked and certified in Wilderness First Aid or above We also have an SPI Certified instructor on staff overseeing all climbing safety and instruction. During your experience with us, here is what you can expect:
CMC Provides:
• Qualified and experienced staff or volunteers delivering high quality instruction and curriculum.
• Staff and volunteers that have undergone criminal background checks.
• Supervision and risk management within the activity.
• Equipment and curriculum supplies necessary for the program.
Your School Provides:
• Transportation to and from activity site (can be negotiated)
• Water, lunches, snacks as needed.
• At least 1 adult teacher or chaperone PER 15-20 students.
• Signed liability waivers for all participants
Pricing and Scholarships
Prices shown are for full-priced programming. Our goal is not to turn any school away. We do our best to meet schools where they are financially Our generous donors and SCFD have made it possible for us to offer scholarship funds to schools who qualify, on a first come, first serve basis. If your school needs financial assistance, you can apply for funding here.
Contact us!
YOUTH PROGRAMS Program Offerings
PROGRAM PACKAGES
CMC's Youth Programs offer a wide range of packages and prices to suit most class sizes We specialize in outdoor recreation, environmental education, conservation, stewardship, teambuilding, leadership and wellness. We offer 4 packages with flexibility for teachers to choose the curriculum within each package. We can cater to most learning objectives, build on knowledge from classroom teaching, and help meet grade level standards See the following pages for more information
AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAMS
We offer environmental science programs and recreation programs including rock climbing We also offer servicelearning/project-based learning after school programs focused around conservation topics Afterschool programs can range from 4 weeks to 8 weeks We can host a program at your school or provide transportation to our basecamp in Golden.
CUSTOMIZED PROGRAMS
Whether it be for an hour, single day or week long program, we are happy to customize a program to meet your needs! If you do not see a package that suits your students or your vision, please reach out to see how we can create something just for you Below are just a few customized programs we have done. Please check out the last page of the packet for various topics and activities we can provide.
Colorado Fourteeners Trip - Hike Greys and Torreys Peaks
Rock Climbing 101 - Physics of Climbing, Indoor and Outdoor Rock Climbing
School-Wide Slacklining Day
Snow Science at Brainard Lake - Snowshoeing and Avalanche Awareness
Orienteering and Topographic Maps
OVERNIGHT ADVENTURE PROGRAMS
Our team can also take your students on an overnight adventure! These are great for personal youth development, skill building, and teambuilding Take your class or entire grade out to our Brainard Hut, go camping/hiking, or participate in a rock climbing adventure for an experience they will never forget. Our overnight adventures are 100% customizable.
Packages and Pricing
Nature Hike
A nature hike can meet many of your classroom objectives. Teachers find it very rewarding to be able to spend a day in nature with their students.
CMC instructors will facilitate activities throughout the hike for students based on goals and outcomes. Possible trail curriculum:
Wildlife and ecology exploration
Leadership challenges
Shelter building
Teambuilding games and activities
Sample Itinerary
9:00am: Student arrival and introduction. Split into groups
9:30am-12:00pm: Hiking and curriculum facilitation
12:00pm-12:30pm Lunch
12:30pm-1:45pmpm: Continue hiking: Trail games and return to Trailhead
1:45-2:00pm: Group debrief and departure
3 hours
$885 $1098 $1315
$760 $945 $1130 4 hours
Youth Programs
Customized Program Options
OUTDOOR RECREATION
Indoor and Outdoor Rock Climbing
Slacklining
Hiking
Backpacking
Snowshoeing
Canoeing and Kayaking
And More!
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
Geology
Ecology and Wildlife
Weather
Watersheds
Snow Science
Physics of Climbing
Nature Journaling
CONSERVATION & STEWARDSHIP Leave No Trace Trail Building
LEADERSHIP & TEAMBUILDING
Group Games and Initiatives
Expedition Leadership
Training
Naturalist Training
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Outdoor Meditation
Backcountry Cooking
Orienteering
Shelter Building
Mountain Weather
Wilderness First Aid
Yoga
Movement and Dance